Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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How do you spell the sound you make when you give someone “the raspberry?” You know, when you stick your tongue out and blow, making what could be considered a bathroom sound. I think you spell it, “Ppppbbbbbth!” That’s the official review I give the series finale of “The Sopranos.”
I don’t expect every show to have a great series finale. Nor do I expect every thing in the show to be wrapped up with a nice little bow. But, and call me crazy if you want, I do expect the show to have some sort of ending, not just a cop out.
The writers of this particular episode were just filling time. There were plot lines that seemed to go nowhere. For example, A.J.’s car caught on fire and it became a big deal to his parents. However, soon after that, that topic wasn’t even part of the show. Paulie ended up taking a job he didn’t even want. Silvio is still in the hospital. None of these issues came to a resolution, so what’s the point of even having them in the show.
And, that ending. What an awful way to end such a quality program. The writers said one of two things to themselves. Either they said, “We can’t think of an ending, so we won’t.” Or they said, “We don’t need an ending. It’s our last show. What are they going to do, fire us?”
Here is the final scene. The Sopranos go to a restaurant. There is a strange looking guy who is staring at the family. Meadow, the daughter, takes forever parking. The strange guy goes into the bathroom. Meadow walks into the restaurant. Cut to black.
That’s it. Basically, the writers said you should come up with your own ending.
Many people say they thought their televisions blacked out. How is this clever writing when you think your TV is broken?
I don’t want a show to be anti-climactic. It is supposed to come to a climax. It is supposed to have a resolution. It is supposed to have an ending. We in the news business don’t start a story by saying, “A man went to court today on drug charges… (dead air).” We don’t think you should come up with your own answers about what happened. That’s why people watch television, or the news. They want the whole story.
In this case, the last fifteen minutes of “The Sopranos” felt like a complete waste of time. My brother-in-law actually threw something at his television when it ended.
Wait! I just thought of something. Maybe the writers got whacked before they could finish. That’s the only explanation I’m accepting right now.
